Kick It Up A Notch

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Novelty keeps things interesting.

My son and his fiancee' were talking about their Orange Theory Fitness (OTF) workouts, and then another friend mentioned that she was also a member there.   As is my pattern, I noted that three people in two weeks mentioned the same thing, so I took it as a sign.  I signed up for a free class and went over to the OTF near my house. I had heard about it but always thought that it seemed too something...too hard, too expensive, too inconvenient.

I loved it.  One hour, an energetic coach telling me what to do, good music, real time stats from a heart rate monitor, and a completely different and more challenging workout than I was accustomed too.  I signed up about a month ago and have been going 2-3 times a week.

OTF usually is comprised of three "sections" - rower, treadmill, and floor; with the time in the class equally divided among the three.  Because this is much more intense than what I usually do, I was pleasantly surprised that the workouts were personally challenging, but that I could actually keep up. That having clear parameters about pace and timing helps, and being part of a group while focusing on your own performance somehow makes the time go faster than being alone.

Although I made this choice quickly once I tried it, the need for a change had been building.  I was tiring of the gym I have belonged to for more than 15 years, and since we moved it was no longer convenient so I was not going very often.  I have spent years constructing my own workouts and I was getting tired of it.  And FINALLY, the plantar fasciitis I have been battling for months is definitely easing so I wanted to bring some more challenging cardio back into my program.  Last but not least, I wanted to "join" something new. 

Novelty is important and this change has put some additional oomph in my step.  I notice that I like signing up for the classes and getting them on my calendar.  I like the routine around it - it feels easy to just show up at the appointed time and follow instructions, and there are two locations within a 10 minute drive from my house (convenience is key when making a change like this - especially at first; it needs to feel easy).  

Try something new this weekend!  It does not have to be exercise - it can be anything!   A new route for walking, a trip into the city near you, an online class of some kind, cooking or eating a new cuisine.  We need to intentionally seek out novelty to cultivate our sense of fun and accomplishment.